Paulina Porizkova Fires Back At Topless Photo Criticism

Model Paulina Porizkova is no stranger to getting hate on the Internet, but at 57, she has developed a pretty thick skin.

Still, the Czech-born former fashion model took the time on Wednesday to write a lengthy response to a hater who called out her recent topless snap.

A few days into the new year, the “No Filter” author took to Instagram to share a single topless photo that featured her looking out through the window through sheer curtains. She poses with her arms in front of her chest as she holds her hair back out of her face. The definition in her toned abs is clearly visible as she covers up the lower half of her body with a pair of black panties.

In the caption, Paulina wrote, “The New Year is yawning wide open. I’m greeting it bare. Because I have nothing to hide. I’m finally comfortable in my own skin. I don’t need armor when I’m already armed with my experiences and the wisdom they’ve brought.”

“All the really good stuff is crammed into this body and invisible on the outside. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s what keeps me standing tall and proud – even when undressed,” she concluded, wrapping up her post with the hashtags #betweenjloandbettywhite, #greypride, and #betterontheinside.

Many fans had nothing but support for her sultry snap. "Thank you for being….YOU. And for helping all of us 50+ women feel like we don’t need to hide either,” one fan commented. “You’re even more beautiful than you were when you were 17,” another follower wrote. “Completely beautiful from toes to nose, from your heart to your min!!” a third fan shared. Unfortunately, it seems not everyone was a fan of her photo.

On Wednesday afternoon, Paulina took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a comment that she wanted to respond to. “Don’t know why women still think continually removing their clothing is a necessity to make a statement about aging- or anything else,” the comment began. “You don’t see men dropping their pants to declare how ‘brave’ they are about growing older.”

“Once again, a beautiful woman feels compelled to expose herself. When you are a 5’ 10” 120 pound supermodel this is not really that ground breaking,” the comment went on. “Just contributes to the objectification of women and presents a highly unattainable reality for the vast majority of us.”

However, Paulina felt that she was “celebrating” her body more than contributing to “objectification.” In the caption, she admitted, “This comment is sadly true, even if somewhat misdirected.”

She went on to say, “What is true, is that a bikini shot or a nude of me gets far more traffic on social media than any other kind of photo. It’s also true that men do not post themselves in their undies to declare how brave they are to age.”

“BUT. There are many bare chested photos of men feeling pretty good about themselves, and none of them draw any ire at their self-exposure,” she went on. “To me, choosing to pose - dressed or undressed - for a painting, a sculpture or a photo is celebration of the physical self. But describing a woman as a ‘5’10, 120 pound super model’ is objectification.”

“It’s describing a woman as livestock, akin to ‘a 67.3” 1200 pound Holstein cow.’ It is additionally shaming her for using her body as she sees fit,” she pointed out. “Not a problem ever placed on men. So, of course, men have no need to declare their courage in being unclothed. So, although true, ultimately, this comment becomes an example of the objectification it rails against.”

Her followers had mixed feelings about the comment, but most shared their support for Paulina’s position. “I feel like the person who left that comment needs to do a great deal more work on herself to feel so threatened by such photos,” one fan commented. “I for one love when I see women, especially in my age demographic or older expressing themselves in such ways. It’s liberating and relatable.”

“I don’t why people feel it’s necessary to weigh in on every single topic,” another follower added. “If it doesn’t directly affect you then keep it moving.”